Location: Kansas City, Missouri

The University of Missouri, better known as Mizzou, is Jada Jackson-Adams’ dream school where she wants to major in criminal justice and minor in performance arts. But, she’s also keeping her options open and considering some additional schools in Missouri as well as In addition to her career aspirations, she dreams about having a family of her own someday.

What is something you are most proud of?

I’m proud that I have a support system.

Have you gone through any tough or challenging times? If yes, how did you deal with those challenges?

I usually just leave it alone until it comes back up — or work hard to get rid of the challenges.

What does it mean to you to be selected as a Girl on the Rise?

It means I have to make the most out of this opportunity, as I feel so lucky to be one of the girls that was selected.

What inspired you to want to be involved with Girls on the Rise?

My Big Sister [at Big Brothers Big Sisters] told me about it. She’s really big on education and she pushes me to do better, so this was an opportunity to prove to her and to myself that I could do it.

How will funding from the 1,000 Dreams Fund help you reach your goals? In other words: Why is the opportunity to visit your prospective colleges important to your journey?

It is important because if you’ve never visited the colleges you’re interested in, then it’s hard to know if they are a good fit. Sometimes, when you are limited to the colleges that your high school takes you to, it feels like those are your only options.